An Art-Lover's Guide to Beijing's 798 Art District
The 798 Art Zone is a place of pilgrimage for art lovers in Beijing. The avant-garde art district used to be a Bauhaus-style socialist factory compound built in the 1950s with the assistance of the Soviet Union and the DDR. In 2002, American Robert Bernell opened his Timezone 8 Art Books bookshop and publishing office in a derelict former factory, and 798 became one of the most famous art districts in China. This is a guide to the best galleries and artistic spaces in the 798 Art Zone.
1. UCCA (Ullens Center for Contemporary Art)
Art Gallery, University, School, Cinema, Theater
Almost any guide on the galleries of the 798 Art District would put UCCA on top of the list. The Beijing branch of the international contemporary art institution was opened in 2007, and has presented over 100 exhibitions, featuring both Chinese artists and significant figures in international art trends. It is one of the few galleries in China that attaches great importance to education, regularly providing talks, workshops and art cinema, and having a bookstore that sells limited editions of cutting-edge artists and designers. What’s more, it even has its own volunteer docents.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00 (Last entry 18:30)
2. Hive Center for Contemporary Art
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00
3. PACE Beijing
Forest, Park
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00
The gallery first opened in Bangkok in 1997 and was later established in Beijing and Hong Kong. It is dedicated to presenting projects and exhibitions that promote contemporary Chinese art, as well as providing a space for dynamic dialogues between artists, curators and collectors. It regularly represents leading Chinese artists including Ai Weiwei, Liu Xiaodong, and Huang Yongping. Its two galleries in the 798 Art District are must-go places for lovers of Chinese art.
1st Gallery Space: D06, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, +8610 5978 9610
2nd Gallery Space: B01, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, +8610 5762 3060
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:30 (Nov-Apr) / 11:00-18:30 (May-Oct)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZVMZepgkXq/?taken-by=tangcontemporaryart
4. Faurschou Foundation Beijing
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (Closed on bank holidays)
5. M WOODS
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:30-18:00
6. Pinacotheca of Korean Mansudae Art Studio
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.